Long-term protection of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) againstPlasmodium falciparum challenge inoculations after various time intervals

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
When used as an experimental host forPlasmodium falciparum, the squirrel monkeySaimiri sciureus, intact or splenectomized, develops a significant, long-lasting, protective immunity against the blood stages of this parasite. In the present study, this length of protection after a single initial infection was determined by test infections carried out at varying intervals of time in 26 splenectomized animals. An initial period of about 7 months was observed, which was characterized by a marked resistance to trial reinfestations by a homologous as well as a heterologous strain. A second period was observed during which the primates became sensitive to the parasite in varying degrees. These observations single out the squirrel monkey in comparison with other experimental hosts tested under similar conditions and underline the value of research on antimalarial vaccinations, because when confronted with parasite antigens, the organism can produce the immunological response necessary to control a test infection.

This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit: